Press Release

Issued by Thales.

May 21, 2013

Cobham Satcom's AVIATOR 300 SwiftBroadband solution has received a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its use aboard a range of Cessna aircraft.

Developed by Cobham Satcom partner and avionics specialist Scandinavian Avionics, the STC covers the Cessna 550, 550 Bravo and S550 and provides further opportunities for application to the Cessna 500, 552 and 560 series with separate certification approvals.

The STC for the light corporate jet includes the installation and activation of the AVIATOR 300's built-in Wi-Fi option and use of the AVIATOR wireless handset, providing a compact and complete broadband solution for an extensive range of communication capabilities.

Michael R Truelsen, president at Scandinavian Avionics, said: “We see a big potential for this STC as the Cessna Citation series aircraft are very well represented in Europe. We have already had a huge interest for such installations so we are particularly pleased to announce that we have the STC available on the AVIATOR 300 for these Cessna models.

“This STC is significant because we are planning to expand the STC to cover the Cessna 500, 552 and 560 series as well. We can also use the data from this STC to cover the AVIATOR 200 system, with the Low Gain Antenna, if a customer wants an even smaller and lighter system.

“The AVIATOR 300 is very well suited to all business jet aircraft as the office in the sky functionality is key in the business jet market. Passengers will be able to use their own devices, such as tablets and smartphones, as the STC includes WiFi functionality in the cabin for use of the internet at rates up to 332 kbps, while the wireless handset is available for voice connectivity to the ground.”

The AVIATOR 300 features a compact and lightweight Intermediate Gain Antenna (IGA) to ensure a low profile on the fuselage. With data speeds up to 332 kbps, the system provides for fast and reliable connectivity on Inmarsat SwiftBroadband services, supporting high quality, low-cost voice calling and the full complement of data services.

Kim Gram, vp aeronautical, Cobham Satcom, added: “This STC is significant as it introduces many more business passengers to the benefits of global wireless Internet connectivity. The AVIATOR 300 will enable them to use smart phones, personal tablets and laptops for a multitude of applications during all phases of flight.”

The AVIATOR 300 is part of Cobham's cutting-edge SwiftBroadband product portfolio and provides a cost effective solution for a wide range of airframes, with a full range of features and options. In addition to the Cessna aircraft, the system has been certified for several key aircraft including the Citation X, G200, Embraer 135 (Legacy 600/650) and Bombardier Challenger 300.

The full Cobham SATCOM AVIATOR range includes the AVIATOR 700 and 700D, AVIATOR 350 with High Gain Antenna (HGA), AVIATOR 300 with IGA as well as the exceptionally compact and lightweight AVIATOR 200 with Low Gain Antenna (LGA).